WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senators Jim Justice and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced the HBCU Arts Act, which would increase investments in HBCU arts education by amending Section 323 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include provisions that support arts programs in HBCUs.
“HBCUs are some of the most important institutions in our country. Art and history make up the very fabric of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we will be. West Virginia’s story is especially unique, and through our arts, we’ve been able to tell the world how special we are. I’m proud to partner with Senator Alsobrooks on this bill to give these schools more opportunities to invest in arts education and continue telling our stories,” said Senator Jim Justice.
“It is critical we invest in arts education for students at HBCUs. Just as HBCUs are homes to future lawyers, doctors, scientists, and educators – they are also home to inspiring artists, musicians, actors, and singers. Investing in the arts fuels our economy, brings together our communities, and moves us during challenging times of great division and fear – much like the moment we are in right now. Now, more than ever, we need to bolster our support for HBCUs to ensure they are best equipped to train the next generation of leaders,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.
“The Arts play a vital role in uniting West Virginia State University and preserving its proud heritage as a Historically Black College and University. The HBCU Arts Act will further elevate the prestige of an Arts education, enhance the University’s ability to train aspiring artists, and empower those students to amplify our region’s rich culture,” said Ericke S. Cage, President of West Virginia State University.
“The HBCU Arts Act provides a meaningful expansion of allowable uses of federal grand funding to support arts education, student success, and cultural preservation at HBCUs. We are grateful for Senator Justice’s leadership and urge swift consideration and passage of the HBCU Arts Act. This investment will benefit HBCUs and enrich communities across the nation,” said Dr. Darrin Martin, President of Bluefield State University.
BACKGROUND:
- West Virginia is home to two HBCUs – West Virginia State University and Bluefield State University.
- The HBCU Arts Act would add the following as allowed uses of federally appropriated grant funds to HBCUs:
- Providing financial and other assistance to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs.
- Establishing outreach programs and development offices for arts, arts education, and cultural arts departments.
- Providing comprehensive wraparound services for arts, arts education, and cultural students, including faculty and peer mentorship, work-based learning opportunities, guidance counseling, and career advising.
- Exhibiting, maintaining, monitoring, and protecting African American art collections in exhibition and in storage.
- Providing well-paid apprenticeship, internship, and fellowship opportunities to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs through partnerships with nonprofit arts, arts education, and cultural institutes.
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